Wokingham Town Focus

New manager to captain ‘flagship’ town centre

February 17, 2009

Wokingham's next town centre manager will need to turn the area into a flagship for the borough, according to businesses.

Mark Ashwell, chairman of Wokingham Chamber of Commerce, said the borough now had a unique opportunity to appoint a town centre manager with the drive to take on the challenge.

Town centre manager Brian Newman resigned from the job last month and is carrying out his notice on leave.

Mr Ashwell, who is also owner of TradeMark Windows in Fishponds Lane, made the comment during Wokingham Borough Council's overview and scrutiny management committee on Tuesday, February 3.

“All the businesses represented in the Chamber of Commerce, whether they are based on the borders or in the town centre, agree Wokingham town centre has to be the flagship for businesses in the borough," he said.

“We now have a unique opportunity to appoint a town centre manager of high quality and real calibre.”

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It is interesting to note that Mr Ashwell, who was/is the chairman of the Town Centre Management Group has made these comments prior to Mr Newman leaving the position. Having watched the current situation evolve i am sure that he had "no chance" unless he was willing to bow down to the whims of certain parties within the town. I am sure that all of the previous town centre managers were chosen for the position on experience but were not allowed to use this to the benefit of the town. I dont think that living in the area makes a difference, in fact it could be an advantage to bring someone in from outside who would see further than what the chamber of commerce want. Most town centre managers i have met are allowed to promote the town with a reasonable budget and with little interference from outside parties.This i believe is not the case in our town.

forkin, wokingham
17/02/2009 at 21:09

Megaman - totally agree. If we removed the Iron Fist of Shute End from town centre business then we could create a high street to rival Oxford Street or Fifth Avenue - or perhaps the Crockhamwell Road Precinct in Woodley

Finchampstead's Finest
17/02/2009 at 16:08

Perhaps the new bloke will be allowed to do what he wants without the borough/town council's nicking his ideas or banning him from promoting them.

Megaman
17/02/2009 at 13:19

I doubt even acquiring the help of The A-Team could help Wokingham fill its empty shops and units at the present time. But I do agree with Mr Ashwell's comments. This town does need a new sheriff to help it move forward. What ever happened to Anneka Rice, she likes a good challenge!

Finchampstead's Finest
17/02/2009 at 12:21

Agreed Watcher. They will need to demonstrate they have the skills to promote Wokingham on the wider stage yes, but if they really had their heart in the town's future that would be ideal.

JC, Woodley
17/02/2009 at 12:14

I agree that the new town centre manager should be involved in promoting the town centre in general rather than just organising events. Working with agants to fill empty properties is a priority.

Perhaps this time a local manager will be appointed who has some knowledge of Wokingham and will be more loyal. The last 2 town centre managers both lived many miles away and appeared to view the position as a stepping stone until a job nearer home came up.